Every great directed voice session has one thing in common.
That’s my conclusion after 36 years of recording voice sessions in studios from radio and TV stations – that still smell like cigarette smoke – to directing voice sessions for global ad agencies here in my home studio (whilst still in my pyjamas).
Yep, I’ve learned a few things. Not all of them were pretty. 👀
I’ve seen voice sessions fall apart before the mic was even turned on, but I’ve also seen magic happen on the first take. So what makes the difference?
It’s not gear. It’s not prep (though I’m big on that too). It’s not even the voice. It comes down to one overriding principle. And I’ll get to that.
But first, let’s break it down.
Preparing for a VO Session
For Directors, Producers & Engineers:
Know what you want and be able to explain it. Vague feedback gets vague performances. Bring the brief. Style, tone, length, music reference, scratch VO, or vision if you’ve got it, anything that helps the talent hit the mark.
Set up the studio before the VO arrives. That means the mic’s up, headphones are untangled and clean, script’s printed, and you’re ready to set levels. A pen or pencil on the script stand (make sure it works) for the talent to mark up their script, and a glass of water (room temperature). The scripts should also be printed (on more than just your phone) and with enough copies to go around. Nothing kills momentum like sharing a PDF over someone’s shoulder.
- Arrive early and set up everything before talent arrives.
- Bring a clear brief: tone, references, and direction.
- Ensure comfort and readiness—scripts printed, water ready.
For Voice Talent:
Show up early, and (if you’re a smoker) don’t turn up stinking of smoke. It still happens, and yes, people notice. Be warm and friendly, but know the clock’s running. Take the brief, ask questions, and get to work. This isn’t the time to monologue about your latest workshop.
- Arrive early, prepared, and smelling fresh.
- Listen actively and ask questions about the brief.
- Keep chatter minimal and focus on delivering takes.
During the Session
For Directors, Producers & Engineers:
Give clear, specific direction. “Try that again” is useless. “More smile on the back half” is gold. Say what you like, as well as what’s not working. Keep morale high. If something’s working, bank it. Don’t overshoot. Ask the talent if they want to try it their way. You’ll only get their best ideas if they feel like it’s safe to share them. That culture starts with you. Finally schedule breaks during long sessions. Even the best voice can’t stay fresh after hours without a breather.
- Offer specific, constructive feedback—positive and negative.
- Invite the talent’s input to build trust and collaboration.
- Don’t over-record and remember to schedule breaks.
For Voice Talent:
Take direction without the eye roll. Even if the feedback’s clunky, assume it’s coming from a good place and ask the right questions to clarify. Offer a take-your-way if the door’s open. Sometimes those are the ones that stick. Ask for playback if they’re explaining something and you’re not sure what they’re talking about. Sometimes the issue isn’t your performance, it’s your read on the brief.
- Receive feedback professionally, even when unclear.
- Offer creative takes when appropriate.
- Request playback if direction seems confusing.
Running Remote Sessions
For Directors & Engineers:
Be early. Be ready. Don’t be troubleshooting your Zoom audio when the client’s already on. Test everything beforehand. Playback, routing, recording, Source Connect patches, the lot. Make sure everyone can hear and see what they need to.
- Test all tech before the session starts—no exceptions.
- Be online early and ready to roll on time.
- Prioritise smooth communication for all parties.
For Voice Talent:
Test your setup in advance. Use the Source Connect Echo Test or run a dry run with a mate. Be patched in early. Don’t let people wait while you update drivers, or realise an audio update had killed your headphone feed overnight. Nothing kills momentum like “Just give me one sec” five minutes into a take. Keep a backup plan handy. Things go wrong. Be the person who’s already thought of that.
- Test your system and internet before the session.
- Be patched in early to avoid delays.
- Prepare a backup plan for tech issues.
So, What’s the One Thing That Makes a Voice Session Work?
Now, I get it. This is a lot to remember. Scripts, setups, soft skills, session flow, tech, tempo… It can feel like spinning plates on a moving train.
But if you only remember one thing, just one from this blog let it be this:
Respect.
- Respect for the time people have given you, and the money they’re spending.
- Respect for the engineer trying to keep it clean, calm and broadcast-ready.
- Respect for the director or producer trying to get a dozen people aligned.
- And most of all, respect for the voice talent, the person giving breath and shape to the thing you wrote on a screen.
I know the intro promised one thing. Well, there it is.
It’s not rocket science. It’s just people doing creative work under pressure. Treat each other like professionals and like humans, and the rest falls into place.
Do that, and you won’t just get a better session, you’ll get invited back.
Quick plug for voice talents: If you’re ready for a demo that showcases your range, builds trust, and gets you the right kind of attention – check out my website VoodooSound.com.au.
More from this author
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores such as Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, if you click on a link and make a
purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
